How We Choose The Best SA Bookmakers
There are several factors that we took into consideration when we were compiling this list of the best SA bookmakers. Some of these factors include:
- Number of available events and markets
- Provides the top-level live streaming
- Welcome offers and bonuses
- User-friendly interface and mobile apps
- Decent customer service
- In-play betting options
- Betting odds
List of The Largest South African Online Bookies – Top 10
1xBet
Founded in 2007, 1XBET is considered one of the best platforms in the betting world sports. It’s currently one of the best online bookmakers in South Africa.
1xBet Pros and Cons
What we like:
- Offer many account currencies and languages
- Lots of betting markets and live betting
- highly competitive odds.
- Supports numerous banking methods and cryptocurrencies
What we don’t:
- Slightly lower bonuses
- The website can be challenging to navigate
Betway
Established in 2006, Betway is one of the South African bookmakers licensed and regulated by the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board. The platform has streamlined entertainment across sports like football, esports, and casino games betting.
Betway Pros and Cons
What we like:
- Huge range of markets
- Live betting and streaming
- Many payment methods including Visa and Mastercard as well as e-wallets like neteller
- Cash-out option
What we don’t:
- No cryptocurrency
Sportingbet
Sportingbet entry into the South African sports betting market in 2009. Currently, this online sports betting platform offers the biggest and largest sports betting line-up across more than 60 different sporting codes.
Sportingbet Pros and Cons
What we like:
- User-friendly and secure
- Platform
- Very competitive odds
- Wide range of live betting markets
- Attractive deposit bonus
- Robust live betting
What we don’t:
- Slow when the processing of payout
- Does not offer eSports
Gbets
Established in 2005 by the Gold Rush Group, Gbets has grown and become one of the household names in South Africa's bookmakers’ industry.
Gbets Pros and Cons
What we like:
- Plenty of bonuses and promotions
- Unparalleled sportsbook
- Sophisticated website layout
- Plenty of bonuses and promotions
What we don’t:
- No dedicated support center to help new customers
Hollywoodbets
Also known as Hollywood Sportsbook, Hollywoodbets is a SA sports betting company that allows you to bet on sports, horse racing, and much more.
Hollywoodbets Pros and Cons
What we like:
- Cash-out services.
- Neat website design
- Plenty of markets.
- Live betting services.
What we don’t:
- No live streaming function.
- It lacks mobile apps.
Bet.co.za
Bet.co.za was founded by Betcoza Online (RF) (Pty) Ltd in 2010. Since then, this bookmaker has grown to become one of the best sports betting and gambling South African platform.
Bet.co.za Pros and Cons
What we like:
- Competitive sports product and odds
- Cash out and partial cash out
- Bet builders
- Sports and reload bonuses
What we don’t:
- Limited responsible gaming limits
Playa Bets
Founded in 1990 by Brad Van Der Vyver, Playa Bets offers the most exciting sports betting experience for South African bettors.
Playa Pros and Cons
What we like:
- Plenty of sporting markets
- Live betting / in-play betting
- Many ongoing and daily bonuses
- Multiple deposit and withdrawal methods
- eSports betting
What we don’t:
- No online casino as part of the account
- Does not support credit and debit card withdrawals
World Sports Betting
World Sports Betting (WSB) is one of South Africa’s leading bookmakers established by Warren Tannous in 2002. This bookmaker offers national, continental, and international sports betting and horse race betting.
WSB Pros and Cons
What we like:
- A huge number of ongoing promotions
- High payout limit
- Live streaming on selected events
- Good all-round odds
What we don’t:
- No cash out feature is available
- No mobile app
Supabets
Supabets is another best bookmaker in South Africa owned and operated by Portapa (Pty) Limited.
Supabets Pros and Cons
What we like:
- Huge betting markets
- Cash-out available
- Live-betting and live-streaming
- Friendly website
- Tons of bonuses and promotions
What we don’t:
- No e-wallet options
- High-limit VIP program
Sunbet
Sun International's premier sportsbook, commonly known as SunBet, is also one of the bookmakers South Africa is produce of. It is a premium South African bookmaker that offers a variety of exciting online betting opportunities.
Sunbet Pros and Cons
What we like:
- Promising welcome bonus
- Live In-Play betting or in-running betting
- Multiple deposit methods
What we don’t:
- Limited payment options
- Limited markets
- Poor website design
Compare Sportsbooks to Find Your Perfect SA Online Bookmaker
| Bookie | Deposit Bonus | Live Betting | Live Streaming |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1xBet | 100% up to R2000 | Yes | Yes |
| Betway | R25 Sign Up Bet | Yes | Yes |
| Sportingbet | 100% up to R2000 | Yes | Yes |
| Gbets | 100% up to R1000+ R25 Free Bet | Yes | No |
| Hollywoodbets | R25 in Free Bets | Live-in play | No |
| Bet.co.za | 100% up to R1000 | Yes | No |
| Playa Bets | Get R2000 in free bets | Live-in play | Yes |
| WSB | 100% up to R10000+ R50 Free Bet | Yes | No |
| Supabets | 200% up to R1000+R50 Free Bet | Live-in play | Yes |
| Sunbet | 100% bonus up to R1000 | Live-in play | Yes |
Online Sports Betting Laws in South Africa
The current laws in South Africa allow sports betting. Each of the country’s 9 provinces has its own sports betting and bookmaking licensing authority. All sports betting and bookmakers have to obtain licenses from the authority in their respective provinces to operate in the region under certain terms and conditions. Players have the freedom to choose a bookmaker regardless of their location.
How to Deposit at South African Bookmakers With ZAR
One of the easiest and quickest ways to deposit at SA bookmaker with ZAR is through EasyEFT. This is a Rand (ZAR)-based banking solution that allows South African bettors to transfer funds electronically from their bank account to their bookmaker’s betting account. Some of the supported banks include Standard Bank, Investec, Capitec, ABSA, Nedbank, and FNB.
Mobile Sports Betting in South Africa
Since most of the online bookmakers are mobile-friendly, the majority of South African bettors are enjoying the convenience of wagering on their favorite sports through their mobile devices. All you need is to install the bookmaker’s app on your Android or iOS device.
Best SA bookmakers: Local vs International
Many bettors in South Africa are caught in the dilemma of choosing between a local and international bookmaker. One of the important factors in choosing between the two is the type of bettor you are. For instance, if you are a casual bettor on a budget, you should choose a local bookmaker since they accept low stakes and offer more localized payment methods for both local and international bettors.
Unfortunately, when choosing local sports betting platforms, you are required to provide info about your source of income during registration. If you are not comfortable with providing such information, there are many international bookmakers in South Africa you can consider.
In a nutshell, there is no preference when it comes to choosing local vs international sports betting platforms in South Africa. It all comes down to your personal preferences.
FAQs
Which is the best online bookmaker in South Africa?
1xBet is our top pick overall. Sportingbet is the best for live betting. Hollywoodbets is the best for horse racing. Betway is best when it comes to different markets. Playabets is best for sports betting promotions.
Which bookmakers have the best welcome bonus for South Africans?
Gbets and Bet.co.za has the best welcome bonus for South Africans. New players can get up to an R1,000 deposit bonus.
Who regulates bookmakers in SA?
The National Gambling Board is responsible for regulating bookmakers in South Africa. The board is also responsible for preserving the integrity of sports betting and gambling in South Africa.
Is it legal to bet online?
Online sports betting and gambling is currently legal in South Africa, provided the players place bets only on licensed bookmakers.
How do online bookmakers make money?
Online bookmakers make their money by charging a transaction fee on players' bets, commonly referred to as "the vig" or "vigorish." Online bookmakers also make profits by lending money to bettors.
